APRIL 18, 1950
OPENING DAY SPECIAL EDITION
COUGARS-GOTHAMS ARE FLAG FAVORITES
A new baseball season, and a new decade for the sport, gets underway later today with all 16 FABL clubs seeing action including the traditional opener at Columbia Park where President Truman will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Washington Eagles and Pittsburgh Miners get things underway. As is always on the case on opening, this column is dedicated to telling you how the upcoming campaign will play out.
Federal Association
New York Gothams
No team sports the star power of the New York Gothams. Red Johnson (.304, 52, 137). Walt Messer (297, 35, 122). George Cleves (.321, 19, 76). Ed Bowman (18-11, 2.69, 139). Lefty Allen (17-8, 3.76, 59). And you know what: I'm going to say it. Cecil LaBonte (.332, 10, 75, 37) is a star too. I'm not sure how they didn't win the Fed last year, but this Gothams team has some of the best players in the game right now. But as the Chicago Chiefs proved last year, maybe depth is more important in a 154 game sample, and the Gothams just don't have it. The farm is starting to produce some reinforcements, as they have top 50 prospects Hank Estill and Bert Preble ready to replace some of the weak lengths. The biggest question, however, lies in the rotation, as they're projected to start the season with Joe Brown (13-7, 3.80, 84) and Lou Eaker (5-7, 4.35, 45) ahead of Lefty in the rotation, and former 20-game winner Buddy Long (13-7, 1, 3.63, 31) seems to have lost his rotation spot in favor of Eaker and Jerry Decker (12-6, 4.00, 65). If the pitching holds up, the Gothams are going to be tough to beat, as their offense has a good chance to score the most runs in the Fed this year.
Chicago Chiefs
The hardest thing in sports is to repeat as champion, and the Chicago Chiefs will have their work cut out for them in their repeat attempt. The Chiefs were one of the few teams to acquire reinforcements in the offseason, acquiring veterans Walt Pack (.253, 13, 54) and Carlos Montes (.242, 5, 25, 5) in separate trades with the crosstown Cougars, though Montes' debut will be delayed four weeks as the often-injured center fielder strained his hamstring in the final week. But since the Chiefs have plenty of depth, the injury isn't too tough to handle, as they're not a team that relies on any one player. Sure, Tiny Tim Hopkins (.284, 38, 128) can change the game with a single swing of the bat, but he doesn't have to do it by himself. The slugger will follow a tough 1-2-3 in Joe Rutherford (.280, 23, 98, 12), Pack, and Billy Brown (.225, 12, 48). Pete Casstevens (.238, 29, 99) is still one of the top catchers in the game and I'm excited to see what longtime Wolf Charlie Artuso (.234, 8, 74) can do in his first full season out of Toronto.
The rotation provides plenty of innings, bringing back four 200 inning starters. Former 1st Overall Pick John Stallings (20-5, 3.26, 170) has blossomed as an ace at just 24, taking the reigns from longtime ace Al Miller (16-9, 4.12, 96) who will turn 35 this September. As good as he looks for his age, no one does age better then knuckle Charlie Bingham (14-12, 3.78, 65). He was never the best pitcher, or even in the conversation, but as a 39-year-old he was setting career bests. He's not flashy, though he gets the job done, but I think unless the Chiefs can add an impact arm or get a big breakout from former 10th Rounder Johnny Duncan, they're going to come up just short.
Detroit Dynamos
There are so many ways you can go after what I believe is a clear top two, though the Fed is known for its tendency to develop into an all-out bloodbath. One team that should be involved in the pennant race is the Detroit Dynamos, though the organization is a little worried about run support. The pitching is led by a potential first ballot Hall of Famer in Carl Potter (22-8, 1.97, 162), who at 23 has 79 FABL victories and is coming off a season where he led the Fed in wins, ERA, innings (293), WHIP (1.05), and WAR (9.3). No one comes near him in quality, but former second overall pick Bill Sohl (14-14, 3.73, 99) seems to have found himself a home and the recently turned 24-year-old Jack Miller (14-11, 3.56, 75) took home the Kellogg Award last year for best rookie in the association. That's a pretty impressive front three, and it could become four depending on the progress of former first pick Roy Schaub (0-1, 8.53, 2), who pitched well in AAA (15-14, 2.71, 124) before making one start for the Dynamos in September.
They have a very young offense that has struggled for stretches, though 23-year-old Edwin Hackberry (.309, 32, 99, 18) is not one of them. He led position players in WAR (8.1) and is coming off a 104 walk and run season. Not only is he a gifted hitter, he's an impressive athlete and is probably the best defensive outfielder that isn't suiting up for the Cougars this season. He had to do a lot himself last season, as the talented double play duo of Del Johnson (.270, 11, 65, 12) and Stan Kleminski (.278, 4, 48) wasn't as lethal as expected. Returns to form from them would be huge for the Dynamos success, as well as a step forward from third basemen Tommy Griffin (.307, 5, 60), who broke out in year three as a 24-year-old last year. Rounding out the infield is Dick Estes (.291, 14, 52), but the converted outfielders hasn't provided the thump they've expected from him. If none of this group steps up, the Dynamos will have to rely on veterans Pinky Pierce (.244, 3, 14), Hal Sharp (.273, 7, 36), and the potential husk of Adam Mullins (.244, 4, 48). Detroit feels like a team that's a step away from a contender, and that could come from a big acquisition or a group improvement from their youth.
Philadelphia Keystones
For the first time in my career, I questioned the talent of Bobby Barrell (.289, 39, 108). I mean, he's going to be 40 this year, and at some point you got to slip?
Well, to see if my mind was starting to go, I bought a ticket to his spring debut against the Dynamos. As I was getting to my seats, he quickly grounded out, clearly frustrated with himself. Even worse, he went down 0-2 his next time up. With two on! Though just as I was ready to be concerned, Bobby did what he does best. He fought, worked the count to 3-2. And then pounced. Sure, it wasn't the 400+ feet moonshots we've gotten used to, but he easily cleared the fences, making the day of a young Keystone fan in attendance. 106 homers away from Max Morris' FABL record, I'm really hoping Bobby gets to it, and if he keeps hitting like he does, the Keystones will be in contention for a pennant. Last year they posted their lowest win total since 1939, but I'm expecting big things from the Georgia Jolter and his teammates.
They have one of the only catchers who's not just good for a catcher, Roger Cleaves (.264, 18, 57), and despite an uncharacteristically low average last season, Hank Koblenz (.216, 44, 121) is one of the premier sluggers with a decent glove at third too. Slugging first basemen Nate Power (.257, 15, 43) is in for a big season, and Philly has enough power to slug with anyone. The pitching is a little weak, but I have to imagine Lloyd Stevens (11-19, 4.96, 84) is going to return to form after suffering through a season that was leaps and bounds worse than every season since his rookie year. A big year could be coming for 24-year-old George Polk (6-9, 4.08, 53) who impressed as a rookie, and a few scouts I've talked to from OSA think Jim Whitley (16-10, 4.07, 113) is one of the top 20 pitchers in the game. They're a little thin after that, but with last year's 2nd Rounder Sam Ivey in AA, they could have reinforcements by midseason. I think he's still a season away, but the top 30 prospect could end up as the last piece of their rotation. The team may still be a year off, but I think Bobby has at least three left in him, and the Keystones should be able to capitalize off his record chase with a competitive team.
St. Louis Pioneers
A year ago there were discussions on a threepeat and a potential all-time great stuff.
Then everything went wrong.
The decline was just as swift and unexpected as the climb, as aside from franchise icon Al Tucker (.362, 14, 86) and his #2 Larry Gregory (.312, 16, 106), everyone struggled. Hal Hackney (15-17, 5.01, 178) was either walking guys or allowing homers. And sometimes both. Danny Hern's (13-18, 4.04, 115) defense let him down more times than he can count, Hiram Steinberg's (11-16, 4.57, 109) walk percentage jumped over three percent, and Dick Long (9-14, 5.56, 79) finally got exposed for the pitcher he was. I don't expect anything from him, former second pick Tom Buchanan (6-10, 3.79, 56) should be taking his starts, but I would not be surprised if the 3-Hs are all in contention for the Allen again this year. That rotation is great, and with steady production from Ray Bates (.333, 1, 39, 13), Homer Mills (.290, 10, 83), and Heinie Zimmer (.263, 6, 73), they might be able to cook something nice. The issue is they're going to need a lot to go right for them, including on the injury front. There isn't much depth aside from back-of-the rotation, but if they're replacing one of the aces for any length of time it's going to be a major downgrade just because of how impressive the shoes they have to step in are. Still, I think they're equal parts contender and equal part pretender, making them one of the toughest teams to project out of the gate.
Washington Eagles
Another team with a big gap between floor and ceiling, the Washington Eagles have an interesting mix of youth and veterans. This is most notable in their middle infield, as both Bill Wise (.345, 24) and Tom Miller (.267, 3, 32) are coming off major season ending injuries, and they have to fend off last year's first rounder Tom Perkins who hit .333/.391/.381 in the spring and spent plenty of time a top the lineup. It's a good one to be atop, as they got some serious southpaw sluggers in Rats McGonigle (.287, 30, 112, 13), Jesse Alvarado (.291, 31, 119, 32), and Sig Stofer (.270, 31, 90), with the trio each having their own creative nickname (The Ringer from Stinger, The Hidalgo Kid, and The Boardwalk Bopper). Then there's the "The Harborcreek Hustler" Mel Carrol (.305, 11, 56), though he's lost a step at 38. As good as the lineup is, they can only go as far as their rotation. A rebound is needed for Buckeye Smith (8-8, 4.51, 64), who missed almost two months with a pair of injuries and followed up two excellent seasons with two rough ones. The rest of the staff is on the other side of 30, though Billy Riley (12-4, 3.91, 52) is one of the most consistent starters, Dan Everett (11-9, 3.08, 80) can be effective in shorter outings, and Juan Tostado (15-5, 2.50, 35) had an insane breakout at 31 despite just under 60 FABL innings spread between 1941 and 1948. The best path for Washington may be staying close to the pack, and then pouncing on whatever is available at the deadline while most are too conservative to act.
Pittsburgh Miners
As you expect with young teams that have been dismantled, expectations and win totals are low. No, not Dave Low (7-10, 9, 3.69, 38), who earned himself a rotation spot with a strong showing in a swingman/stopper role last year, though he is indictive that the process is starting to bear fruit. One of the younger teams in the league, the Miners seem to have the offense down, especially when it comes to hitting for high averages, but the pitching is what they struggled with. Low will get a chance to prove he belongs in the rotation, but the only starter part of the long-term picture right now might be former top-10 prospect Pat Wolter (7-9, 4.00, 79), who showed flashes of being the real deal in his 22 starts. Most importantly, he held his own most trips out, something only him and veteran Billy Ligons (8-12, 4.13, 41) can say among rotation members last year. The Miners did add a young, MLB ready pitcher in Harry Beardsley, who will enter the season as the #5 starter, and there might be a reinforcement coming midseason in top 10 prospect Chuck Briggs, who has been reassigned to AAA St. Paul after making six starts last season.
They may now be in a position to tap into their young talent to add a long-term piece, as the lineup is filled with quality. The outfield is a particular strong group, with top three hitters Ernie Campbell (.331, 1, 64, 5), Charlie J. Williams (.309, 11, 78), and Paul Williams (.244, 1, 20) effective FABL hitters in their 20s. Then there's 1948 standout Jeep Erickson (.253, 6, 39), who drew offseason trade interest despite a pronounced sophomore slump. The double play duo of Irv Clifford (.304, 72, 13) and Reid McLaughlin (.280, 2, 55, 12) getting plenty of mileage, with McLaughlin making the argument that he's the top second basemen in the game. Eventually franchise legend Joe Owens (.312, 5, 50) will be replaced with Dick Steel, who the Miners got along with Briggs and others in the ransom for Cleaves and Allen, though Owens is just a year removed from a batting title and had plenty of life at 37 last year. With a deep farm and plenty of talented young players, the future is really bright in the steel city, even if there maybe a few more lean years ahead of the franchise that has seen more WCS sadness than any other.
Boston Minutemen
There are rumors from Minutemen camp that a youth movement will commence, and it might be worth it for the 1941 Champions. Not only do they have the top farm system, but I can't remember the last time a team had so many guys in the top ten, as at one point all four of Rick Masters, Joe Kleman, Yank Taylor, and Marshall Thomas were considered among the top ten prospects in any organization. Those four are plenty to build around, and there are pieces left on the squad that could reinforce the farm further. Veteran pitchers Ray Dalpman (14-10, 3.94. 78) and Duke Hendricks (13-11, 4.37, 84) would bring back noticeable hauls, and a team in need of a slugger would give plenty for someone like Billy Dalton (.240, 25, 73) to handle the hot corner in the short-term. Former 3rd Pick John Edwards (7-14, 4.88, 78) could interest with a rebound to start the year, and while I doubt they'd break up their slick fielding duo of Harry Barrell (.308, 4, 61, 8) and Buddy Schneider (.267, 5, 60) teams could dangle prospect capital to snatch them.
But if the Minutemen decide to stand pat, they already have a lot of youth playing important roles. Alf Keeter (12-14, 3.46, 83) was an All-Star and might be their best pitcher already, while Ben McCarty (.337, 23, 81) is coming off an offensive explosion where he hit 50 extra base hits, drew 76 walks, and produced a 172 WRC+ in just 475 trips to the plate. It's tough to expect that level of production from him again, but he could end up as one of the tougher outs in the Fed. 25-year-old Dick Helfand (.250, 10, 46) is penciled in for another season in center, while fellow 25-year-old and Rule-5 Jack Shea could get a full season of starts on the mound. While I don't want to spell doom and gloom, 1950 seems like a transition season for the Minutemen, and it could be their first last place finish since 1933.
Continental Association
Chicago Cougars
Stop me if you've heard this before, but the Chicago Cougars are the most talented and deep team in the Continental Association. And it's really not even close. All five of their starting pitchers had ERAs below 2.50 in the spring, and projected #5 Johnnie Jones (15-13, 3.55, 101) would crack the top three in any rotation that hasn't won two pennants in the last three years. Looking at the roster as a whole, they have 45 All-Star selections among 15 players, as well as three Allens and a Whitney.. Though you know what 23 of the 24 players lack?
A World Championship.
That's the goal this year as nearly every year, and after a third second place finish in four seasons, the Cougars had the most active offseason of the 16 FABL organizations, with the big moves bringing in the best defensive outfielder around, John Moss (.271, 11, 74), and perhaps the best FABL stopper ever David Molina (8-11, 22, 3.53, 76) in a deals that sent away notable ranked prospects Ron Berry (Brooklyn) and Johnny Peters (Philly). But this is not the first time the Cougars have been the odds-on favorite, as each season they find a unique way to come up short. Generally, it's not showing up when things matter most, and the front office is hoping the local kid can help them steal the close ones they tend to drop. Molina has led the CA in games, saves, and games finished four years running. With a rotation as good as there's, and someone who's almost a guaranteed win if he has the lead, it's going to be very tough to win if your pitching staff has a tough day.
Montreal Saints
Things were different at the Parc Cartier last season. For the first time in almost twenty years, the Montreal Saints finished with a winning record. And they did it with the bat.
This new look Saints team is loaded with young talent, led by arguably the best all-around shortstop Gordie Perkins (.303, 8, 63, 5), who is coming off an outstanding season where he produced a 130 WRC+ and 14.8 zone rating (1.065). One thing that has affected him is injuries, and his season ended early with an arthritic elbow. If they want to capture their first pennant since 1921, they need at full season from their star, but for once they have the supporting cast to protect him. Maurice Carter (.300, 28, 118) has emerged as one of the top sluggers in the game and he led all Continental Association hitters with 118 RBIs. Joe Austin (.310, 5, 62, 53) and Otis O'Keefe (.293, 17, 97) had superb rookie seasons, and their Bill's Elkins (.268, 2, 37) and Green (.265, 12, 79, 15) should compete against each other for an outfield spot in the All-Star game. They even brought in Homer Guthrie (.283, 3, 42) if 23-year-old catcher and former top 100 prospect Jess Garman (.243, 18) isn't quite ready to play everyday. There's no real weakness in this lineup, and if they played in the Fed where the stadiums were smaller, they'd probably end up on top.
What may make it tough for them to over come Chicago is their rotation, as after talented ace Bert Cupid (15-15, 3.41, 81) there are some question marks on the pitching staff. The talent is there, but each pitcher has their concerns. Pat Weakly (12-10, 4.35, 72) has dealt with injuries off and on since his debut, and when he's not 100% the walks rise and the strikeouts fall. The Wally's Reif (5-15, 7.05, 66) and Doyle (12-12, 4.01, 103) are equal parts scrub and equal parts stud. And then there's Pete Ford (17-5, 3.37, 84), who will have all eyes on him to see if his breakout season is legit. None of these four are a sure thing, and if someone gets hurt, they might have to rely on the yet-to-debut Ted Coffin, another high risk, high reward pitcher who has flashed ace potential. Plus, the Saints have always had issues beating the Cougars, and the reason they finished third instead of second is because Chicago had the better head-to-head record. That's not to say they should be taken lightly, as this is clearly a team on the rise that's poised to make noise as he kick of the 1950s.
New York Stars
The Gothams aren't the only team in the Big Apple to have stars, as there are few that shine brighter than Bill Barrett (.300, 37, 104). The superstar and 4-Time Whitney Winner led the CA in homers and slugging (.549), and while 98 walks seem impressive, it was his lowest total since he was twenty. In fact, last year as a whole was a "down" season for Barrett, and he was still one of the most valuable players in the game. As long as he's in New York, they have a shot at the pennant, and their rotation is now one of the bests in the association. Vern Hubbard (18-7, 3.15, 71) doesn't get talked about enough for how good he is, and Eli Panneton (13-14, 3.93, 97) is one of the most reliable arms out there. The back three isn't great, but Jack Wood (14-15, 3.36, 100) has managed to defy age and I know Richie Hughes (8-13, 3.83, 109) is just one adjustment away from regaining his All-Star form. Even better, the staff will get plenty of support from sluggers Bill Barnett (.296, 25, 75), Jack Welch (.245, 20, 72), and Mack Sutton (.252, 30, 94). The Stars are a team that can put up runs fast, and they may be a Bill Chapman or Dick Rutledge breakout away from another pennant.
Cleveland Foresters
No one foretold the meteoric rise of the Cleveland Foresters, that lasted all the way until they were up 3-0 in the World Championship Series. I'll be honest, I think that was their best chance, as everything clicked for them last season. Adrian Czerwinski (26-7, 2.88, 77) had one of the most miraculous turn arounds that earned him a much deserved Allen Award and Jim Adams Jr. (.326, 12, 88, 7) actually stayed healthy enough to lead the CA in hits (189). That's not to say they're devoid of talent, as Ducky Davis (16-7, 2.89, 82) is a very good pitcher and 1947 ERA leader Ollie White (12-12, 4.24, 129) has some of the best stuff for southpaws. And then there's Lorenzo Samuels (.309, 26, 88), who mashed his way to a 171 WRC+ in 475 trips to the plate. Whether he can come close to that again is a mystery, but he gets to bat with Adams on base a ton, and that's sure to improve your chances. Without any adds, it's hard to see them defending their pennant, but I don't think this is a team that's going to be finishing close to the bottom anytime soon. There's a ton of young talent ready and waiting, and then they can really be a force.
Brooklyn Kings
A team that seems to be a season away from contention, the Kings may have the player of the 50s in Ralph Johnson (.321, 27, 102, 6). The 25-year-old captured his second Whitney after leading the CA in runs (110), walks (108), OBP (.427), OPS (.976), WRC+ (172), wOBA (.433), and WAR (9.0). He's one of many young players, with 29-year-old Bob Arman (11-15, 4.06, 149) likely to be the oldest player to make an impact this season. He leads a solid rotation with Leo Hayden (15-12, 3.50, 92) and Joe Potts (15-10, 3.56, 86), and they are now joined by 21st prospect Ron Berry, who they picked up from the Cougars in the John Moss (.271, 11, 74) deal. Part of the reason they were willing to part with Moss in the first place was another top prospect (24th) in Charlie Rogers (.356, 3, 5) who debuted a few months after his 20th birthday. They have plenty of depth with him, Pat Petty (.299, 12, 76), and a third top 25 (20th) prospect Fred Miller (.250, 2, 8), with a larger need in the rotation as most else is filled. Chuck Lewis (.298, 16, 87) emerged as a top three second basemen and they have plenty of young guys to fill the infield around him. If the young guys all take a step forward, the Kings could make a surprise run, but if I was a betting man I think they're going to return to the playoffs a few times this decade.
Philadelphia Sailors
As unexpected as the Foresters rise was, the Sailors fall matched it, as they went from back-to-back pennants to bottom of the association. The trade of David Molina could signal a deadline sell off, with plenty of tantalizing pieces in Win Lewis (8-15, 3.99, 91), Ed Reyes (.355, 6, 63), Marion Boismenu (.314, 1, 45, 11), Al Duster (10-13, 4.45, 82), Charlie Gordon (9-16, 4.31, 73), and Harvey Brown (.299, 2, 60, 25). This could make some room for any number of young players to join Billy Forbes (.246, 11), Joe Scott (.281, 14, 81), and Al Farmer (.263, 3, 47) in regular roles. There's already plenty of options already on the 40-man roster, including offseason pickup Johnny Peters, top 50 prospect George Rutter, Jerry Keith, and Gordon McDonald. All it might take is a quick reset for the always competitive Sailors, who hadn't finished last since 1920. Though they could still make some noise this season, as the Sailors have been known to get the most out of their players.
Cincinnati Cannons
A team filled with veterans who might have their best games behind him, they are expected to continue their rebuild, with pretty much everyone not named Rufus Barrell (14-14, 3.47, 121) available. The outfield has the most enticing pieces, with 6-Time All Star Fred Galloway (.295, 2, 26) and breakout former 1st Rounder Mike Taylor (.325, 13, 74, 11). Then at the corners they have two grizzled corner infielders in Chuck Adams (.273, 21, 90) and Denny Andrews (.256, 10, 64), and Jim Anderson (13-14, 4.81, 104) and Charlie Griffith (14-14, 3.91, 73) on the mound. None have particularly high value right now, but with a strong start to the season they could fetch a pretty penny. But aside from the two outfielders, the most in demand piece may be Jim Hensley (.229, 5, 48). He's not the greatest hitter, though he's posted seven consecutive seasons with a zone rating above 20 (!!) at shortstop. Guys like that don't grow on trees, and when you have a career 96 WRC+ to go with it, you could do far worst at short. As the Cannons continue their youth movement, we may see some major moves, but what will be most interesting is the progress of young righty Tony Britten (11-15, 4.53, 83). The former 7th Ranked prospect has shown flashes of dominance, and Cannons fans are hoping this is the season he puts it all together.
Toronto Wolves
Someone has to finish last, and this year I think it's going to be the Toronto Wolves, as even a new fiery logo isn't going to be enough to turn this group into a contender. That's what Toronto was for most of the last decade, one that started with them winning their third FABL title. It may be time for the Wolves to tear down, though despite Charlie Artuso (.234, 8, 74) going to the Chiefs, they've shown no real inclination that Fred McCormick (.297, 13, 82), Hal Wood (.315, 6, 81), Chink Stickels (.241, 5, 39, 12), George Garrison (12-13, 2.87, 126), Joe Hancock (16-10, 3.47, 79), and Jim Morrison (16-8, 3.38, 91). That's a solid core, but they're all getting up there in years and they don't have much support behind them. Jerry York (5-11, 4.75, 69) really struggled last year and I don't think top 10 prospect Les Ledbetter is ready for his FABL debut. Hank Giordano (.241, 5, 39, 12) is coming off a rough season himself, and if they want to compete, they'll need a big year from him and Tom Frederick (.278, 7, 58, 10), but I just think too much needs to go right for them to make an impact on the pennant chase this time around.
FINALLY THE YEAR FOR COUGARS?
OSA SEES CHICAGO ROUT THE CA AND FACE DETROIT IN WCS
FABL's official scouting agency, the OSA, has fully boarded the Chicago Cougars express this season and feel the Cougars will win the Continental Association pennant race by double-digits in the first season of the new decade. If so, it will be the end of nearly a decade worth of frustration as the Cougars, nearly always tabbed by many pundits as the team to beat in the CA, always seemed to find a way to come up short. OSA is calling for the Cougars, led by a dominant pitching staff, to finish with 91 victories this season - a full 10-games ahead of the second place New York Stars and tabs them to face another pitching heavy club in the Detroit Dynamos in the 1950 World Championship Series.
Now before fans in the Windy and Motor Cities go and get too excited it is likely best that we point out that a year ago the scouting service say the New York Stars winning the CA and Detroit finishing in a tie with the Philadelphia Keystones for top spot in the Federal Association. The two actual World Championship combatants - the Cleveland Foresters and Chicago Chiefs- were each tabbed to finish last in their respective associations by the OSA. In fact, the OSA has not successfully picked the Federal Association champion since it successfully forecast the Pittsburgh Miners to win the 1939 crown. The group formerly headed by Dan Barrell, who has now taken a seat in the FABL President's chair replacing the retired Sam Belton, has been marginally more successful with its Continental Association forecasts as the scouting service did successfully call three Continental flag races correctly last decade with the most recent being in 1945 when it was right to name the Cincinnati Cannons as the premier club in the loop.
But let's not let all the facts put a damper on the excitement for Cougars and Dynamos fans. They both could certainly use some. The Cougars are long overdue for some good luck and some pennant success. True, the longtime media darlings have likely won six to eight of them if you celebrate on Opening Day when the predictions arrive but in reality, it has been since 1941 when the Cougars, who consistently seem to have the most talent in the Continental Association, last had the most victories in a CA season. Even then, they came up short in the WCS, a bauble they have not hoisted since 1931.
The drought is even longer in Detroit where the Dynamos have not won a pennant since 1929 -only the Montreal Saints of the CA have gone longer without a flag- and have endured two unsuccessful, at least so far for the second one, rebuilds. There is no doubting the quality of the Detroit mound staff, it was the best in the Fed a year ago, but the offense was non-existent, and little has changed on the Detroit roster aside from the fact that the young talent, led by Edwin Hackberry, is a year older.
It is Hackberry, the 23-year-old who has already appeared in 3 all-star games, that the OSA is forecasting big things for in the coming season. Not has big as the hopes heaved on the heavy bat of Hank Koblenz of the Philadelphia Keystones. OSA is suggesting that Hard-Boiled Henry will swat 68 homer this season - or 4 more than the record set in 1947 by Koblenz teammate Bobby Barrell. Koblenz did blast 50 himself three years ago and swatted 44 last season so it is not out of the realm of possibility but 68 just seems like too lofty a target even for Koblenz.
As for the defending champion Chicago Chiefs and Cleveland Foresters, who were each picked to finish last a year ago? OSA still has no respect for the Foresters, figuring a return to the cellar of the Continental Association is in the cards for Cleveland. It does give the Chiefs a little more respect but places them middle of the pack in the Federal Association. Here is how the OSA forecasts the 1950 races.
COUGARS AND GOTHAMS IN SERIES IS CONSENSUS
A poll of sports writers from several major cities suggests we are headed for a rematch of the 1931 World Championship Series with the Chicago Cougars representing the Continental Association against the New York Gothams from the Federal Association. Six sportswriters, along with the OSA, responded with predictions and all but one of those six feel the Cougars will finally live up to preseason expectations and win the Continental flag for the first time since 1941. Of course the Cougars have been the media favourite nearly every season since '41 but always found way to come up short despite having what is considered the best lineup in the CA on paper.
The Gothams are loaded with power and if the back half of the rotation can hold up they could be the team to beat in what always seems to be a long, drawn out battle for the Fed flag. Five of the seven respondents see the Gothams emerging on top with Brett Bing of the Toronto Mail & Empire, who was also the lone voice against a Cougars win in the CA, went against the grain in the Fed as well in tabbing the defending champion Chicago Chiefs to repeat. The other vote against the Gothams came from the OSA, which likes the Detroit Dynamos. The scouting service also picked the Dynamos to win the Fed a year ago, but they ended up fading down the stretch and finished third. Here is what the writer's across the league are predicting.
RELEASED BY GOTHAMS, STRONG LANDS IN PORTLAND
Will Be Player-Manager For GWL Green Sox
After nearly two decades, over 2,200 hits, nearly 300 homeruns and more injuries than anyone can count Mahlon Strong's big league baseball career has come to an end. Strong will not disappear entirely as the 41-year-old slugger and the New York Gothams mutually agreed to end his contract with the club in order to allow Strong to head west and become the manager of the now-AAA again Great Western League's Portland Green Sox. Strong, who made his minor league debut in 1928 after being selected in the 8th round by the Gothams the previous year, says he his playing days are not done yet and he will act as player-manager for the Green Sox for at least this season.
Strong's numbers, which include 1,900 career games, 2,242 hits and 279 homeruns, could have been so much more impressive had he only managed to stay healthy. In his 19 big league seasons he only managed to pay more than 120 games 4 times and was limited to less than 100 contests in ten of his 19 years. Despite that, the Miami-area native still managed to be named to the all-star team five times and played in 27 World Championship Series games over five seasons with the Gothams and Pittsburgh.
He began and finished his career with the Gothams and was the Most Valuable Player of the 1935 World Championship Series -the only one of his 5 appearances that he was on the winning team. When the Gothams, after a rough start to the 1936 season, purged many of their stars who led them to a WCS win the previous season Strong was one of the casualties. He was dispatched to Pittsburgh and would play nine seasons with the Miners, helping them to a pair of Federal Association pennants. With Pittsburgh powerhouse of the late 1930s just a faded memory, Strong was sent back to the Gothams prior to the 1946 season where he joined a powerful lineup that was considered a series title threat but fell just short, finishing second each of the past two seasons. After a season in which he was limited to just 80 games, partly due to injury and in part due to declining skills, it was clear that Strong's time in New York was at its end, so he jumped at the opportunity to stay in the game with the opportunity on the west coast.
DAY IS DONE IN BOSTON
The final few cuts of spring are always agonizing for FABL ballclubs and perhaps none were more difficult this year than the Boston Minutemen deciding to part ways with Pete Day. The 38-year-old had been a fixture in the Boston outfield since 1934 although age and a rising group of young outfield talent caught up to him last season, limiting Day to just 155 at bats in what proved to be his swan song. In all, he played 2,239 games in the big leagues -all in a Boston uniform- and finished just 2 shy of 2,600 hits for his career. There is always a chance that Day, who was a seven-time all-star who won the Federal Association Whitney Award in 1943, will catch on with another club but that seems unlikely especially after he struggled last year, batting just .226, and had even less success at the plate during the recent slate of Citrus loop games.
After starring for three seasons in the outfield for Lincoln College, Day was selected in the second round of the 1932 draft by the Cleveland Foresters. A top 100 prospect immediately, Day never got a chance to play in Cleveland as he was dealt along with Ed Wood and Art Spencer, who both would team with Day in Boston for years, in exchange for outfielder Dan Fowler at the deadline in 1933. Day made his big league debut the following season and was selected to the all-star team as a rookie. Six more all-star game appearances would follow, and Day helped the Minutemen to pennants in 1941 and 1943, hitting .327 in 13 career WCS games and being a key piece of the 1941 World Champion Boston squad. Day is one of just 39 players in FABL history to surpass the 2,500 hit plateau and he is in the top-25 all-time in career plate appearances, walks and runs scored. He is the Minutemen franchise career leader in many major offensive categories although he did finish 18 hits shy of long-time teammate Chick Donnelly.
TALES FROM THE WOLVES DEN
The Toronto Wolves off-season commitment to getting younger is not showing yet at the top level. Brett Bing of the Toronto Mail & Empire tells us the Wolves' have the oldest Opening Day pitching staff in the FABL with an average age of 32.79 some what skewed by the only southpaw in the 'pen being 41 year old Chick Wirtz. At the plate they are the sixth oldest at 30.21 with Fred McCormick, 40 raising the average slightly, I didn't do the math but median age looks to be 29. The youth movement is evident at AAA being the youngest team. Is this the year that youth may be served in Toronto or will it 1951?
Second year skipper Fred Barrell is going to have his work cut for him handling the Wolves geriatric squad, espcecially when you consider cantankerous owner Bernie Millard wants a .500 season.
*** Barrell, McCormick Continue Hall of Fame Careers ***
Just looking at Fred McCormick and Bobby Barrell as they approach the end of their storied careers. Barrell is a no doubt first ballot HOFer, McCormick is close. McCormick ranks 5th all time in On Base % ,427. Slugging Barrell is 3rd at .547, McCormick 4th with .536. OPS McCormick 3rd .963, Barrell 8th with .921. WPA Barrell is 2nd 81.88 chasing Kellogg's 83.72 with McCormick 3rd 76.60. ISO Barrell is 4th .234. In wOBA McCormick's .429 is 4th in history. Barrell's wRC of 2256.93 is 4th.
In hits Barrell may pass Max Morris' 3,651 to move into 3rd this season. Barrell's needs 34 doubles to take the all-time lead at 602, McCormick could move into 2nd or 3rd this year. Barrell will probably not get the 107 HR needed to pass Morris so he will probably retire in second place. He will probably move into 3rd during 1950 in games played, passing Al Wheeler's 2951 and Barrell will just continue to pad his lead in AB. Needs 561 PA to erases Dibblee's record of 13260. Barrell trails Morris by 121 RBI for a career, would not bet against that happening in 1950. McCormick will probably retire 6th in free passes. Counting stats will continue to improve for both, rate stats may decline.
Every time I look at McCormick I think of what could have been has WWII not intervened taking away 3+ prime years.
- Long-time New York Mirror baseball guru John Brinker is now retired so he does not have a full prediction this time around, but retirement didn't stop the noted scribe from chiming in with a few thoughts. "Defensively the Cougars are going to be ridiculously good. Pestilli will likely play in RF (I'm guessing) where his great arm will be valuable. Moss will get CF and have to cover for Mitchell's subpar range in left. The infield defense is great, except for at 1B where Bond is a statue. Hunter & Schneider will be a fantastic DP duo (assuming Cougars Manager Max Wilder puts Hunter there - he's better than Sutterfield with the bat) and Otto Christian is a very good defensive 3B. Eddie Howard has a cannon behind the plate. With that staff, they should lead the league in fewest runs allowed and if they hit like they should, they could be a 100-win team."
- Percy Pringle Jr. of the Brooklyn Eagle finds it "Interesting to see how the OSA feels about last years World Championship Series participants in the predictions. Cleveland could become the first team to go worst to first and back again. OSA doesn’t view Chiefs much more than .500.
- Leland Kuenster, who regularly covers the Chicago Chiefs for the Herald Examiner pens "I don't have as good of a handle on the CA, but I think the Fed is pretty competitive. I have the Gothams, Dynamos, Chiefs, and Eagles in the first division. And it could be any of those taking the pennant. I'm keeping an eye on the Minutemen too."
- Detroit Times columnist Bob Murphy cautions local fans not to get too excited by OSA's call for the Dynamos to snap a 21-year pennant drought with the Fed flag this time around. "OSA was on the Dynamos bandwagon a year ago, and we know how that turned out. You have to think our pitching is good enough to win it, but the bats were suspect a year ago and nothing seems to have changed in that regard. Maybe Pinky Pierce and Hal Sharp can deliver, maybe Del Johnson and Stan Kleminski can bounce back from down years, maybe Adam Mullins is not too old to contribute and maybe Tommy Griffin is ready to take another big step forward. Then again, maybe that is just far too many 'maybes' to count on."
- Artie Neal's climb up the welterweight ranks hit a snag at Bigsby Garden last night when he lost a tough but fair decision in a 10-rounder against Harry Larkin. Neal, a ring veteran and longtime local favourite of the Garden crowd, had worked his way into the quarterly TWIFS rankings of the top fighters in his weight class but he was far from his best on this night, losing a majority decision to his opponent Larkin, a 31-year-old native of Madison, WI, who was the more active fighter and impressed two of the three judges enough to give him a slim victory on their cards while the third ring official scored the fight even.
- In Detroit, veteran West Coast welterweight Jack Watkins ran his record to 31-13 with a split decision over local fighter Josh Huff (37-17-2).
The Week That Was
Current events from 4/17/1950
- Washington is preparing its reply to Moscow's note charging that a United States plane violated Soviet territory on April 8 and opened an exchange of fire with Russian planes. The State Department said the delay was occasioned by its "calm and thorough appraisal" of the "true facts" and expressed regret that the Soviet protest had "failed to show equal calmness and restraint."
- A group of eight Senators have called for a prompt and thorough Presidential inquiry into "all matters relating to" United State foreign policy in Germany. The group, made up of both Republican and Democrats, voiced concern regarding growing reports from Eastern Germany telling of a revived German Army under Communist command.
- Former Senator John Foster Dulles, in a book to be published tomorrow, calls on the United Nations to admit Red China as a member if the Communist Government of Chine proves its ability to govern without serious domestic resistance, but he cautions the UN to not recognize it until China's claims that they can rule without civil war have been proven over a reasonable period of time.
- President Truman will be on hand to throw out the opening pitch at Columbia Stadium later today as the Washington Eagles opened the 1950 baseball season with a game against the Pittsburgh Miners.